NAIROBI, Kenya, July 10- Kenya turned on the style to dismiss Uganda 52-11 in their Confederation of African Rugby Division 1A semi final in Antananarivo, Madagascar on Wednesday.
The match played at Stade de Mahamasina in front 40,000 fans witnessed Kenya take a 19-6 lead at the breather before running riot in the second half to thump their neighbours in a follow-up to their Elgon Cup victory last month.
This was Kenya’s biggest win over Uganda since a 67-5 result in Nairobi in 1997.
Scrum half Edwin Achayo was one of eight try scorers on the day for the Rugby Lions, landing a brace with young Joshua Chisanga, later voted man of the man touching down once.
Team captain Wilson K’ Opondo also touched down once alongside Oliver Mang’eni, Brian Nyikuli, Kenya sevens skipper Andrew Amonde who started from the bench and Cyprian Kuto.
Kenny Andola managed two conversions with Fabian Olando adding a third conversion. Isaac Adimo added two penalties for Kenya.
Team Manager Wangila Simiyu, speaking on phone from Madagascar said, ” We stuck to our structures. The boys were ready to defend their pride and that is what they did.
“We came into this match having rectified all the mistakes from our previous encounter against Uganda. While captain K’Opondo and Joshua Chisanga were outstanding, I still must commend the side under the stweardship of Jerome Paarwater, they played their hearts out. We are now done with this match and look forward to Sunday’s encounter. We will carry the Kenyan flag high.”
The win saw Kenya book a berth in the final on Sunday against the winner of the later Zimbabwe/Madagascar semi final at the same venue.
By beating Uganda, Kenya also retained their Division 1A status ahead of next year’s championships which will serve as the final round of African qualifying for the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England.